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Clifden Caves Glowworm Caves – New Zealand South Island
Clifden Caves offers a free and self-guided caving adventure! Here you can explore glowworm caves in New Zealand's South Island. When it comes to free self-guided adventures, we all know New Zealand is the place to be. However, Clifden Caves is a completely different story. It's honestly hard to believe that this cave is completely free to visit. The Clifden Caves extend over a kilometer underground and have several long, winding tunnels and sections with built-in ladders. Along the way, you'll see limestone caves lined with glowworms and hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites! If you enjoy exploring cave systems, this is an absolute…
Clifden Caves Glowworm Caves – New Zealand South Island
Clifden Caves offers a free and self-guided caving adventure! Here you can explore glowworm caves in New Zealand's South Island.
When it comes to free self-guided adventures, we all know New Zealand is the place to be. However, Clifden Caves is a completely different story. It's honestly hard to believe that this cave is completely free to visit.
The Clifden Caves extend over a kilometer underground and have several long, winding tunnels and sections with built-in ladders. Along the way, you'll see limestone caves lined with glowworms and hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites!
If you enjoy exploring cave systems, this is an absolute treat.
How to get to Clifden Caves?
The entrance to Clifden Caves is on the side of Clifden Gorge Road. Access to this road is located directly near the intersection of Clifden-Blackmount Rd and Ohai-Clifden Highway.
It's best to simply insert the pin that you can find in the card below. Then once you reach the pen there is space for your car or RV right on the side of the road opposite the caves.
Glow wORM cave entrance
The entrance to Clifden Caves is just on the other side of the fence across from the car park. Right next to the entrance you will find a small DOC signpost.
You must go over the fence at the designated location. Remember to be respectful as Clifden Caves is actually on private land. It's a testament to the Kiwi landowners that they have decided to keep this cave open to the public! Legends.
The cave entrance itself is large and easily visible once you find the location.
Once you enter, the first few tunnels are large enough to move around easily without bending over. However, as you will notice, this is changing quickly.
alt=“CLIFDEN CAVES ENTRANCE”>Cave entrance in the Clifden Caves
WANT TO HIKE KEPLER?: Read the full Kepler Track Guide
Do I need a guide to explore Clifden Caves?
No official guide is required to explore Clifden Caves. When I got here there was no one else there.
However, spelunking is a dangerous adventure activity that can easily go south for those who are unprepared. Remember to never enter a cave after heavy rains and be prepared by bringing the essential safety items listed below.
alt="CLIFDEN CAVES ENTRANCE">
What to bring: Essential safety items
Here are some DOC recommended safety items for exploring Clifden Caves New Zealand.
Also remember to let someone know your intentions. Watch out for falling rocks and try to stick only to the marked routes. Have a plan to go in and out with a set time frame.
Map of Clifden Caves
alt=““>Image source: DOC
Find your way THROUGH THIS GLOW WORMS CAVE ON THE SOUTH ISLAND
Shortly after entering the cave, you will come to the lower entrance. This section is the narrowest and most difficult tunnel section in the entire cave system.
This may seem a bit strange at first. However, this is about as tight as it gets, as it opens up quite a bit as you get further into the cave.
The trail is marked with reflective markers to guide the way. Remember not to crawl through unmarked passages to avoid damage to the cave and to avoid getting lost.
alt="EXPLORING THE CLIFDEN CAVES">
What to Expect at Clifden Caves New Zealand
Exploring the Clifden Caves was one of the most underrated adventures I had on the South Island. The caves and tunnels are epic to explore, with plenty of limestone formations to check out.
The tunnels wind back and forth before opening into several large caves. You can completely traverse the cave system from the entrance and exit at the south exit. If you do this, you will have to fall down a few ladders (see map above).
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alt="EXPLORING THE CLIFDEN CAVES">
Remember to try to experience the blackout by covering your flashlight! You'll probably spot some...
CLIFDEN Glowworm Caves / Titiwai
Clifden Caves is one of many glowworm caves in New Zealand's South Island. This cave is home to a species of glowworm called titiwai. These worms are actually the larval stage of a species of fly known as fungus gnats.
The glow is used by the larvae to attract prey, which they capture in their sticky, glowing threads, which you will spot throughout the cave.
alt="CLIFDEN CAVES Glowworms">
alt=“Fireflies New Zealand”>Long exposure to try and capture the fireflies
More glowworm caves on New Zealand's South Island
Want to explore more epic glowworm caves in New Zealand's South Island? Below are a few more worth checking out.
- Waitomo-Höhlen – Waikato
- Te Anau Glühwürmchenhöhlen
- Hokitika Glühwürmchen Dell
More South Island travel guides and blogs
Honestly, if you're not sure about visiting Clifden Caves, do it as long as you're prepared and conditions allow. This was one of my favorite and most unexpectedly epic adventures along the south coast.
If you're looking for more free travel guides or articles for New Zealand's South Island, you'll find them here:
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
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